Age: 18
Allegiance: Union
Highest Rank: Private
Unit: Company D, 140th New York Volunteer Infantry
Occupation: Machinist
Died: July 2, 1863
Buried: Gettysburg National Cemetery, New York Section D, Grave No. 84.
A native of Germany, Charles Speisberger was an 18 year old machinist when he enlisted from the Town of Gates into Company D of the 140th New York. His date of enlistment was Aug. 26, 1862. Speisberger was mustered in as a Private for the duration of three years on Sept. 13, 1862. At time of his enlistment, he was described as being 5' 8", with light complexion, gray eyes and light hair.
The photograph above and the letter below are supplied by Jim Sickelco, an ancestor of Speisberger.
140th Reg. N.Y. Vols
Camp near Falmouth Va.
Saturday Feb. 20/63Dear Parents - Brothers & Sisters
I [received] letter [ck] 19 last evening in which you told me of the [second] box which had sent by mail. I am glad you have sent the second box off [there] is some things in it I want to use. I have seen nothing yet of either [boxes]. I told you in my last letter that I was sick. I am now well again [and] able do duty. I had king of [Fever & Ague] We are to have a Brigade [Bakery]. They are at work to-day building it. I hope it will soon be finished and put in use. We have now to make up our flour rations in some [shape] to eat ourselves and [is] not a very pleasant [job]. The weather to-day is beautiful the sun [coming] out warm and pleasant and the boys are out warming themselves. We send out [details] every day if the weather will allow to work on a fortification which they are throwing up on the Rail-Road about two miles from us. I have not yet been out but expect to have to take my turn before many days. One thing, the boys do not [hurt] themselves to work I can assure [you]. They know...
and [ ] for a move of the Grand Army in Rochester. We are not in any hurry here about moving on to Richmond. I do not think those who are so fast to [urge us in] would be either if they were here with us. The soldiers are not so eager to fight as [many] suppose because they do not see that [it will end] the war. The Old 13th will soon leave us their
[very little respect for the .... Reg]
You had better use the [Greenbacks] I left to fix up the [House]. They are getting [most too plenty]. You will then have a [sure] thing of getting the [worth] of them. [Still] you can do as you think best. If you do use keep some for yourselves to live on or you can use it on the Barn. Just as you [think]
Best from your son
With love to all.
Charlie
This feature courtesy of Jim O'Connor, 2x great nephew of Charles Speisberger.
Last Updated: 11/30/99